What were the challenges and consequences of the Industrial Revolution in Brussels and how has the city evolved since then?

La Fonderie, a non-profitable organisation, has been studying the economic and social history of the Brussels region for thirty years. Situated along the canal, on the site of a disaffected factory (‘La Compagnie des Bronzes ’ 1854 - 1979), it offers a unique look at the history, current events and future of Brussels, with the view to promoting it’s industrial heritage.

There are many aspects to La Fonderie’s work: it publishes a magazine, organises guided visits and educational activities. The museum illustrates the working history of Brussels and collects objects, documents and oral history on the city’s industrial past. La Fonderie equally houses a documentation centre open to the public.

A museum presents its collections to the public. Officially recognized in early 2014 by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, The Brussels Museum of Industry and Labour offers visitors the possibility to discover part of its collection by visiting our new permanent exhibition.

The historical center of Molenbeek has been nicknamed « le petit Manchester belge » (the small Belgian Manchester), because of the large number of industries which could be found there. The district has seen many historical events taking place in its busy cobbled streets. From the founding of the very first cooperative in Brussels to the presence or a large number of non-profit organisations, the solidarity network has been and still is a vivid reality The landscape of the commune has been shaped by the presence of many factories : the canal, the railways, the many industrial buildings are all witnesses of the impact of industry in Molenbeek. Today, many of these sites have been rehabilitated and are used by offices and workshops, which are other examples of the dynamism of the area.

A whole catalogue of architecture and civil engineering, the Tour & Taxis site is a work of art from the golden age of industrialisation. It is a testament to the skills of Belgian engineers and workers, and their mastery of steel, iron, stone, glass and concrete, from the days when Belgium was a major industrial power. Today it is the focus of one of Brussels’ most ambitious projects. Its refurbishment is crucial not just for the neighbouring districts, which were largely affected by de-industrialisation, but for the region as a whole.

Duration 2h

Rendez-vous : avenue du Port 86c, near the main entry of the Entrepôt royal, 1000 Bruxelles

Maximum 25 persons

Groups

Adults 165€

Seniors 155€

Students 145€

(between 7AM and 10PM)

Booking :

by phone

00 32 2 410 99 50

by e-This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Brussels grew up around its waterways. And it has developed around its canals. La Fonderie invite you on board to discover the Willebroek canal which links Brussels to the sea. It is not only the capital’s vital commercial hub, but it also has a marina and all kinds of leisure opportunities and walks. Bordering fascinating sites such as Tour & Taxis and the Laeken royal estate, the canal provides an original angle on a city in constant movement and development. La Fonderie was the first entity to value this original heritage and it continues to do so today on board the Gueuse, a tourist boat dating from the 1930s.